Debris compactor for a vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner having the same

ABSTRACT

A debris compactor may include an inlet configured to receive debris, an auger chamber having an auger extending therein, and a dust cup disposed at a distal end of the auger chamber. The auger may be configured to urge the debris into the dust cup.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/756,760, filed on Nov. 7, 2018, entitled DebrisCompactor for a Vacuum Cleaner and Vacuum Cleaner having the same, whichis fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally directed to surface treatmentapparatuses and more specifically to a debris compactor configured tourge debris into a dust cup of a vacuum cleaner.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Surface treatment apparatuses may include vacuum cleaners configured tosuction debris from a surface. Debris suctioned from a surface may bedeposited in a dust cup for temporary storage. As the dust cup fills,performance of the vacuum cleaner may be degraded. As a result, it maybe necessary to periodically empty the dust cup such that the vacuumcleaner maintains consistent performance.

One approach to reducing the frequency at which the dust cup is emptiedis to increase the volume of the dust cup. However, increasing the dustcup volume can detrimentally effect, for example, the maneuverability ofthe vacuum cleaner. For example, in a robotic vacuum cleaner or anupright vacuum cleaner, a large dust cup may prevent the vacuum cleanerfrom cleaning under furniture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages will be better understood byreading the following detailed description, taken together with thedrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a debriscompactor, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a collectionsystem, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of a collection system,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the collection system of FIG. 3,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of a collection system,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the collection of FIG. 5,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example of a collection system,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example of a debris compactor capableof being used with the collection system of FIG. 7, consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the debris compactor of FIG. 8 havingthe housing removed, consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example of a cyclonic separatorcapable of being used with the collection system of FIG. 7, consistentwith embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the cyclonic separator of FIG. 10, consistentwith embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example of a collection system,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example of a collection system,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example of a collection systemcoupled to at least a portion of an upright vacuum cleaner, consistentwith embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example of a collection systemhaving a handle, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 15, consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an example of an auger chamber,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the auger chamber of FIG. 17,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an example of a filter medium capableof being used with the auger chamber of FIG. 17, consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of an example of a dust cup having abase in an open position, consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the dust cup of FIG. 20 having thebase in a closed position, consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the dust cup of FIG. 20 beingremoved from an example of an upright vacuum cleaner, consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 shows cross-sectional view of an example of a wand vacuum havinga debris compactor, consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of an example of a debris compactor,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of an example of a debris compactor,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of an example of a debris compactor,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of an example of a debris compactor,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 shows an exploded view of an example of a debris compactorhaving a 30 millimeter auger and of a debris compactor having a 60millimeter auger, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of an example of a debris compactor,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a schematic view of an example of a wand vacuum having adebris compactor, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 31 is a schematic view of an example of a wand vacuum having adebris compactor, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of an example of a wand vacuum having adebris compactor, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 33 shows multiple schematic views of examples of wand vacuumshaving debris compactors, consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to a debris compactorconfigured to urge debris into a dust cup of a surface treatmentapparatus. The debris compactor includes an auger (or screw) disposedwithin a flow path extending through the surface treatment apparatussuch that a fluid (e.g., air) having debris entrained therein passesover the auger. The auger extends along a chamber defined within thesurface treatment apparatus. The chamber includes a fluid inlet, a fluidoutlet, and a dust cup opening. Fluid flows into the chamber through thefluid inlet and exits the chamber through the fluid outlet. Debris thatis removed from the fluid flow, may be deposited within a dust cup thatis fluidly coupled to the chamber through the dust cup opening. Thefluid outlet includes a filter medium to capture debris entrained withinthe fluid after the fluid passes over the auger. The auger may engagethe filter medium such that a rotation of the auger removes debris fromthe filter medium and urges the debris along the chamber in a directionof the dust cup. As such, when compared to depositing debris directlyinto the dust cup (i.e., without using an auger), the quantity of debrisstored within the dust cup may be increased (i.e., the debris stored inthe dust cup is compacted due to operation of the auger). As a result,the frequency at which the dust cup is emptied may be decreased when anauger is used without increasing a volume of the dust cup.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic example of a debris compactor 100 including anauger 102 disposed within an auger chamber 103 having a dirty air inlet109. The auger 102 is configured to urge debris along the auger chamber103 and into a dust cup 106. The dust cup 106 may be located at a distalend of the auger chamber 103. As shown, the auger 102 is rotated by amotor 108 coupled to the auger 102. As the auger 102 is rotated, debristhat is engaging the auger 102 is urged along the auger chamber 103 in adirection of the dust cup 106 until the debris is deposited in the dustcup 106. In other words, the dust cup 106 may generally be described asbeing configured to receive debris from the debris compactor 100.

When the debris within the dust cup 106 reaches a predetermined filllevel 110, continued rotation of the auger 102 will cause the debris tobe compacted within the dust cup 106. In other words, as more debris isurged into the dust cup 106 by rotation of the auger 102, the greaterthe compaction of the debris within the dust cup 106.

In some instances, a vacuum may be applied to the auger chamber 103 inorder to draw debris into the auger chamber 103 for compaction by theauger. Additionally, or alternatively, debris may be gravity fed intothe auger chamber 103. As a result, the presence of a vacuum source todraw debris into the auger chamber 103 may be unnecessary.

In instances having a suction generated within the auger chamber 103(e.g., by a suction motor), the debris compactor 100 can be located inmultiple different locations in the flow path. For example, the debriscompactor 100 can be positioned at a cyclone outlet or at a cycloneinlet of a vacuum system have a cyclonic separator. By way of furtherexample, in vacuum systems not having a cyclone, the debris compactor100 can be disposed at an inlet to a suction motor. In some instances,the dust cup 106 for holding the debris may not be part of the air flow.In other words, debris is caused to be deposited in the dust cup 106substantially as a result of the movement of the auger 102 and the airflow does not pass through the dust cup 106.

A diameter of the auger 102 can vary based on application (e.g., for usein an upright vacuum, robotic vacuum, wand vacuum, docking stationconfigured to remove debris from a vacuum, and/or any debris receivingdevice). For example, the auger 102 may have a diameter of 15millimeters (mm), 30 mm, 45 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 120 mm, 145 mm,and/or any other diameter. Similarly, a length of the auger 102 can varybased on application. For example, the auger 102 may have a length of 15millimeters (mm), 30 mm, 45 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 120 mm, 145 mm,and/or any other length. The auger 102 can be configured to be rotatedat a rate in a range of, for example, 15 rotations-per-minute (RPM) and100 RPM. By way of further example, the auger 102 can be configured tobe rotated at a rate of 22 RPM. By way of still further example, theauger 102 can be configured to be rotated at a rate of 75 RPM.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic example of a collection system 201, wherein thedebris compactor 100 is fluidly coupled to a cyclonic separator 200. Asshown, the cyclonic separator 200 includes a cyclone chamber 202 and avortex finder 204. The cyclonic separator 200 is fluidly coupled to asuction source (e.g., a suction motor) 206. The suction motor 206 causesair to be drawn into the dirty air inlet 109 of the debris compactor 100and pass over the auger 102. In other words, the suction motor 206 cangenerally be described as being configured to draw air through thedebris compactor 100. As shown, the air passes through a filter medium210 (e.g., a mesh filter, a foam filter, a fabric filter, and/or anyother filter medium) extending between the cyclone chamber 202 and theauger chamber 103 at an air inlet 211 of the cyclone chamber 202 (or anair outlet of the debris compactor 100 or auger chamber 103). In otherwords, the suction motor 206 is fluidly coupled to the auger chamber 103via the air inlet 211. At least a portion of the debris entrained withinthe air accumulates on the filter medium 210 such that, as the auger 102is rotated, any debris collected on the filter medium 210 is urged bythe auger 102 in a direction of the dust cup 106. For example, the auger102 may engage (e.g., contact) at least a portion of the filter medium210 such that at least a portion of the debris adhered to the filtermedium 210 is urged in a direction of the dust cup 106. In someinstances, a surface area of the filter medium 210 may generallycorrespond to a surface area of the air inlet 211 of the cyclone chamber202. Additionally, or alternatively, the surface area of the filtermedium 210 may be selected based, at least in part, on a desired airflow velocity through the filter medium 210. Increasing air flowvelocity may improve the effectiveness of the auger 102 in urging debrisadhered to the filter medium 210 towards the dust cup 106. For example,the surface area of the filter medium 210 can be such that an air flowvelocity extending through the filter medium 210 measures in a range of3 meters per second (m/s) to 30 m/s. By way of further example, thesurface area of the filter medium 210 can be such that an air flowvelocity extending through the filter medium 210 measures about 20 m/s.In some instances, the surface area of the filter medium 210 can measurein a range of 900 square millimeters (mm²) and 1100 mm².

The filter medium 210 can be configured to allow debris particles havinga certain particle size to pass therethrough. As such, larger particlescan be urged into the dust cup 106 by the auger 102 and smallerparticles can be deposited in the dust cup 106 by cyclonic action.Therefore, the cyclonic separator 200 can be configured to cyclonicallyseparate particles from the air flow having a particle size measuringless than an average pore size of the filter medium 210. For example,the filter medium 210 may have an average pore size in a range of 30microns (μm) to 100 μm. By way of further example, the filter medium 210may have an average pore size in a range of 60 μm to 80 μm. By way ofstill further example, the filter medium 210 may have an average poresize of about 74 μm.

After the air passes through the filter medium 210 at least a portion ofthe remaining debris in the air may be separated from the air bycyclonic forces and deposited within the dust cup 106. The air may thenexit the cyclone chamber 202, pass through the suction motor 206 and apost motor filter 209, and exit the cyclonic separator 200.

By having the airflow pass over the auger 102, at least a portion of anydebris that accumulates on the auger 102 may also be removed from theauger 102. As a result, the auger 102 can be generally described asself-cleaning as a result of air flowing over the auger 102.

As shown, the dust cup 106 includes a divider 212 extending between thecyclonic separator 200 and the debris compactor 100. As such, largerparticulates separated from the filter medium 210 may be collected in anauger collection portion 214 of the dust cup 106 and finer particulatesthat are separated from the air by cyclonic action may be collected in acyclonic separator portion 216 of the dust cup 106.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a perspective view of an example of a collectionsystem 300, which may be an example of the collection system 201 of FIG.2. As shown, the collection system 300 includes a debris compactor 302,a cyclonic separator 304, and a dust cup 306. The debris compactor 302defines an auger chamber 308 configured to receive an auger 310. A motor312 is coupled to the auger 310 such that activating the motor 312causes the auger 310 to rotate within the auger chamber 308. Rotation ofthe auger 310 urges debris engaging (e.g., contacting) the auger 310 ina direction of the dust cup 306. As debris gathers in the dust cup 306,rotation of the auger 310 may compact the debris within the dust cup306. For example, when a sufficient quantity of debris is collectedwithin the dust cup 306 such that the debris in the dust cup 306 engagesthe auger 310, the auger 310 may compact the debris within the dust cup306 by continuing to urge additional debris into the dust cup 306.

A filter medium 320 can extend between the debris compactor 302 and thecyclonic separator 304. The filter medium 320 can be positioned suchthat the filter medium 320 and/or an interior surface of the augerchamber 308 engages (e.g., contacts) a peripheral edge 322 of a helicalbody 324 that defines at least a portion of the auger 310. As such, asdebris collects on the filter medium 320, rotation of the auger 310causes debris to be urged along the filter medium 320 in a direction ofthe dust cup 306. In other words, the auger 310 may be generallydescribed as being configured to clean the filter medium 320. Theperipheral edge 322 of the helical body 324 of the auger 310 can includea peripheral lining 326 (e.g., a rubber such as a silicone rubber ornatural rubber). The peripheral lining 326 may be configured to form aseal between the auger 310 and the filter medium 320 and/or an interiorsurface of the auger chamber 308 and/or mitigate the effects wear due tothe engagement of the auger 310 with the filter medium 320. Debris whichis not captured by the filter medium 320, may pass through the filtermedium 320 and into the cyclonic separator 304.

The filter medium 320 and/or the helical body 324 of the auger 310 canbe configured such that rotation of the auger 310 results in the auger310 cleaning (e.g., removing at least a portion of the debris adhered tothe filter medium 320) substantially all of the surface of the filtermedium 320 facing the auger 310. For example, the pitch of the helicalbody 324 can be configured such that a first portion of the helical body324 engages a first distal end of the filter medium 320 and a secondportion of the helical body 324 engages a second distal end of thefilter medium 320. As such, rotation of the auger 310 causes the helicalbody 324 to move relative to the filter medium 320 such that such that asubstantial portion of a surface area of the filter medium 320 comesinto engagement with a portion of the helical body 324. Additionally, oralternatively, the filter medium 320 can be configured to have acurvature that generally corresponds to that of the helical body 324 ofthe auger 310 such that a portion of the helical body 324 extends from afirst side to a second side of the filter medium 320. The pitch of thehelical body 324 can be variable and/or constant along the length of theauger 310. Having a variable pitch may improve the efficiency of theauger 310. In some instances, the auger 310 can be angled relative to alongitudinal axis 325 of the debris compactor 302.

As shown, the debris compactor 302 is fluidly coupled to the cyclonicseparator 304. The cyclonic separator 304 includes a cyclone chamber 314and a vortex finder 316. The cyclone chamber 314 is configured such thata cyclone is generated therein when air is drawn into the cyclonechamber 314 by a suction motor. The cyclone chamber 314 is fluidlycoupled to the dust cup 306 such that debris that falls out of thecyclonic airflow is deposited within the dust cup 306. A divider 318 isprovided within the dust cup 306 such that the dust cup 306 defines atleast two compartments that are fluidly separated from each other. Forexample, the dust cup 306 may include an auger (or first) compartment317 to, for example, collect debris from the debris compactor 302 (e.g.,debris removed from the filter medium 320) and a cyclone (or second)compartment 319 to, for example, collect debris from the cyclonicseparator 304 (e.g., debris separated from the air flow by cyclonicaction). As such, the auger compartment 317 may generally be describedas corresponding to the debris compactor 302 and the cyclone compartment319 may generally be described as corresponding to the cyclonicseparator 304.

As shown, a flow path 328 extends from an inlet 330 of the auger chamber308 over the auger 310 through the filter medium 320 into the cyclonechamber 314 out an outlet 332 of the cyclone chamber 314 and to asuction motor. A center line of the inlet 330 may generally be alignedwith the center of the filter medium 320. As also shown, a central axis334 of an outlet 336 of the auger chamber 308 may form anon-perpendicular (e.g., obtuse) angle with a central axis 338 of aninlet 340 of the cyclone chamber 314.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a perspective view of an example of the collectionsystem 300, wherein the central axis 334 of the outlet 336 of the augerchamber 308 forms a substantially perpendicular angle with the centralaxis 338 of the inlet 340 of the cyclone chamber 314.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a collection system 700, which may bean example of the collection system 201 of FIG. 2. As shown, thecollection system 700 includes a debris compactor 702, a cyclonicseparator 704, and a dust cup 706. The dust cup 706 includes an augercompartment 708 and a cyclone compartment 710. The auger compartment 708is fluidly separated from the cyclone compartment 710 by a divider 712.A motor 714 is configured to drive an auger 716. As shown, the motor 714may be coupled to the auger 716 via a gearbox 718. The current draw ofthe motor 714 may be monitored to determine, for example, a jam, a stallcondition, or an amount of debris stored within the dust cup 706 (e.g.,to generate a notification to empty the dust cup 706).

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the debris compactor 702. As shown,the debris compactor 702 includes an auger chamber 802. The augerchamber 802 may have a generally frustoconical shape.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the debris compactor 702 having theauger chamber 802 removed therefrom. As shown, a filter medium 902 andthe auger 716 are configured to extend within the auger chamber 802. Thefilter medium 902 can be configured to extend at least partially aroundthe auger 716 such that a curvature of the filter medium 902 correspondsto that of the auger 716. For example, the filter medium 902 may extendaround at least half of the circumference of the auger 716. In someinstances, the filter medium 902 may extend completely around the auger716 with the exception of the portion of the auger 716 that is proximatethe inlet to the debris compactor 702.

In some instances, the filter medium 902 can be configured to have asurface area corresponding to a desired air flow velocity through thefilter medium 902 for a given suction force. For example, the surfacearea of the filter medium 902 can be such that an air flow velocityextending through the filter medium 902 measures in a range of 3 metersper second (m/s) to 30 m/s. By way of further example the surface areaof the filter medium 902 can be such that an air flow velocity extendingthrough the filter medium 902 measures about 20 m/s.

As air flow velocity increases, the force applied to debris adhered tothe filter medium 902 may increase. As the force increases, it maybecome easier for the auger 716 to urge to debris in a direction of thedust cup 706.

As shown, the filter medium 902 is configured to be spaced apart from aninner surface of the auger chamber 802. A plurality of ribs 906 canextend from the filter medium 902 and engage the inner surface of theauger chamber 802 such that a plenum is defined between the filtermedium 902 and the inner surface of the auger chamber 802.

As shown, the filter medium 902 and the auger 716 may have a generallyfrustoconical shape. For example, and as shown, the filter medium 902and the auger 716 may taper in a direction extending away from the dustcup 706. However, the filter medium 902 and/or the auger 716 may haveany suitable shape, for example, a cylindrical shape.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the cyclonic separator 704. FIG. 11shows a top view of the cyclonic separator 704. As shown, an inlet 1102to the cyclonic separator 704 may generally be described as being ascroll inlet.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a collection system 1200, which maybe an example of the collection system 201 of FIG. 2. As shown, thecollection system 1200 includes a debris compactor 1202 and a cyclonicseparator 1204. The cyclonic separator 1204 includes a plurality ofcyclones 1206 (e.g., at least two cyclones, at least three cyclones, atleast four cyclones, and/or any other number of cyclones). For example,the cyclonic separator 1204 may include four 40 mm cyclones. As shown, aplurality of conduits 1208 fluidly couple each cyclone 1206 to a suctionmotor. Each cyclone 1206 is fluidly coupled to the debris compactor 1202such that debris entrained in air is drawn into the debris compactor1202 before the air passes into a respective cyclone 1206. As such,larger particles of debris may be removed from the air flow beforereaching a respective cyclone 1206. For example, hair may be captured inthe debris compactor 1202 such that the hair does not degrade theperformance of the cyclones 1206. Hair captured by the debris compactor1202 may migrate along an auger disposed within the debris compactor1202.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an example of a collection system1300, which may be an example of the collection system 1200 of FIG. 12.As shown, each of the conduits 1208 is fluidly coupled to a plenum 1302disposed above the cyclonic separator 1204. The plenum 1302 is fluidlycoupled to the suction motor.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a debris collection system 1400coupled to at least a portion of an upright vacuum cleaner 1402 (e.g., achassis 1403) and may be an example of the collection system 1300 ofFIG. 13. As shown, the debris collection system 1400 includes a handle1404 extending between the upright vacuum cleaner 1402 and the debriscollection system 1400. The handle 1404 can include a latch 1406configured to be actuated between a latched and de-latched position suchthat the debris collection system 1400 can be removably coupled to theupright vacuum cleaner 1402.

As shown in FIG. 15 the handle 1404 can be configured to engage at leasta portion of a motor 1502 that causes an auger to rotate within thedebris collection system 1400. For example, the handle 1404 may define acavity for receiving at least a portion of the motor 1502. As shown inFIG. 16, the motor 1502 may be coupled to the handle 1404 and the handlemay be configured such that one or more power cables 1602 can be routedthrough the handle 1404. The power cable 1602 is configured to energizethe motor 1502.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show perspective views of an auger chamber 1700configured to receive an auger therein. As shown, the auger chamber 1700includes a dirty air inlet 1702 and a plurality of air outlets 1704.Each air outlet 1704 is configured to receive a filter medium 1706. Whenthe auger is installed in the auger chamber 1700, the auger isconfigured to engage the filter mediums 1706. FIG. 19 shows an exampleof the filter medium 1706. As shown, the filter medium 1706 can beconfigured to have a curvature that generally corresponds to that of theauger chamber 1700 and/or the auger.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective bottom view of a dust cup 2000, which may bean example of dust cup 106 of FIG. 1. As shown, the dust cup 2000includes a base 2002. The base 2002 may be configured to pivot betweenan open and a closed position and/or be configured to be removable. Asshown, the base 2002 defines a plurality of compartments that areconfigured to be sealed from each other when the base 2002 is in theclosed position. For example, the base 2002 may define a plurality ofcyclone compartments 2004 that correspond to a portion of the dust cup2000 configured to receive debris that is separated from an airflow bycyclonic action. As also shown, the base 2002 may also define at leastone auger compartment 2006 that corresponds to a portion of the dust cup2000 configured to receive debris that is urged into the dust cup 2000by an auger. The base 2002 may also define an outlet 2008 for exhaustingclean air (e.g., air that has passed through both the auger and cyclone)that corresponds to an exhaust channel 2009 extending along the dust cup2000. As shown, a seal 2010 can be provided on the base 2002 forproviding a substantially airtight seal between the outlet 2008, theauger compartment 2006, and each cyclone compartment 2004.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the dust cup 2000 having the base2002 in the closed position and a dirty air inlet 2102 proximate thebase 2002. FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the dust cup 2000 beingremoved from an upright vacuum cleaner 2200. As shown, the uprightvacuum cleaner 2200 includes a mount 2202 that defines a cavity 2204 forreceiving the dust cup 2000. The cavity 2204 may also be configured toreceive a filter 2206 for filtering air being exhausted from the dustcup 2000. The filter 2206 may be a high efficiency particulate air(HEPA) filter.

FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a debris compactor2300, which may be an example of the debris compactor 100 of FIG. 1, ina wand vacuum 2302 (e.g., a vacuum configured to be held in the hand ofa user). As shown, the wand vacuum 2302 includes a wand 2304 thatdefines a dirty air inlet 2306, a power source 2308 (e.g., one or morebatteries), and a suction motor 2310 configured to draw air from thedirty air inlet 2306 and through the debris compactor 2300. As shown,the debris compactor 2300 includes an auger 2312 configured to engage afilter medium disposed within an opening 2314. The auger 2312 urgesdebris that collects on the filter medium into a dust cup 2316 at adistal end of the auger 2312. A longitudinal axis 2313 of the auger 2312may extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 2315 of thewand 2304. In some instances, a central longitudinal axis of the auger2312 may be spaced apart from a central longitudinal axis of the wand2304. As shown, the auger 2312 may extend between at least a portion ofthe wand 2304 and the power source 2308 and/or at least a portion of thesuction motor 2310. The suction motor 2310 includes an impeller 2318configured to generate a suction force. The impeller 2318 may have adiameter of 30 millimeters (mm). The auger 2312 is rotated using amotor. The motor can be coupled to a gear box. The gear box can beconfigured such that the motor rotates the auger 2312 at a rotation rateof approximately 75 rotations per minute (RPM).

FIG. 24 shows an example of a debris compactor 2400, which may be anexample of the debris compactor 100 of FIG. 1. As shown, the debriscompactor 2400 includes an auger chamber 2402 having an auger 2404disposed therein. The auger chamber 2402 includes a plurality of ribs2406 extending along an interior surface 2403 of the auger chamber 2402and are configured to engage the auger 2404. As shown, the ribs 2406 mayextend along the surface of the auger chamber 2402 in a spiral shape.The ribs 2406 may assist in urging debris towards a dust cup, when, forexample, suction is not applied to the auger chamber 2402. For example,suction may not be applied to the auger chamber 2402 when the debriscompactor 2400 is utilized in a docking station for receiving debrisstored in a vacuum cleaner (e.g., a robotic vacuum cleaner).

FIG. 25 shows an example of a debris compactor 2500, which may be anexample of the debris compactor 100 of FIG. 1. As shown, the debriscompactor 2500 includes an auger chamber 2502 having an auger 2504disposed therein. The auger chamber 2502 may have a substantially smoothinterior surface 2506. When a suction force is applied to the augerchamber 2502, the suction force may result in a sufficient force betweenthe debris and the smooth interior surface 2506 such that debris can beurged by the auger 2504 towards a dust cup without using, for example,the ribs 2406.

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of a debris compactor 2600, which maybe an example of the debris compactor 100 of FIG. 1. The debriscompactor 2600 can be configured to not utilize an airflow to drawdebris into an auger chamber 2602. FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of adebris compactor 2700, which may be an example of the debris compactor100 of FIG. 1. The debris compactor 2700 can be configured to drawdebris into an auger chamber 2702 using suction. As shown, the debriscompactor 2700 is not fluidly coupled to a cyclone chamber.

FIG. 28 shows an exploded view of a debris compactor 2800 having 60 mmdiameter auger 2802 and an exploded view of a debris compactor 2801having a 30 mm diameter auger 2803. However, other diameter augers canbe used, for example, a 15 mm, a 80 mm, a 90 mm, a 120 mm, a 145 mm,and/or any other diameter auger. As shown, the debris compactor 2800 mayuse a suction-based auger chamber 2804 or a suction-less auger chamber2806.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of a debris compactor 2900 coupled to adust cup 2902, which may be an example of the debris compactor 100 ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 30-32 show schematic examples of wand vacuums 3000, 3100, and 3200having debris compactors 3002, 3102, and 3202, respectively. The debriscompactors 3002, 3102, and 3202 may be an example of the debriscompactor 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 30 shows a first airflow path 3004extending through the wand vacuum 3000. As shown in FIG. 30, a rotationaxis 3006 of a suction motor 3008 extends transverse to (e.g.,perpendicular to) a rotation axis 3010 of an auger 3012 of the debriscompactor 3002. FIG. 31 shows a second airflow path 3104 extendingthrough the wand vacuum 3100. As shown in FIG. 31, a rotation axis 3106of a suction motor 3108 extends substantially parallel to a rotationaxis 3110 of an auger 3112 of the debris compactor 3102. In someinstances, the rotation axis 3106 may be collinear with the rotationaxis 3110. As also shown in FIG. 31, a dust cup 3114 can be disposedbetween the suction motor 3108 and the auger 3112. FIG. 32 shows a thirdairflow 3204 path extending through the wand vacuum 3200. As shown inFIG. 32, a rotation axis 3206 of a suction motor 3208 extendssubstantially parallel to a rotation axis 3210 of an auger 3212 of thedebris compactor 3202. In some instances, the rotation axis 3206 may becollinear with the rotation axis 3210. As also shown in FIG. 32, theauger 3212 can be disposed between the suction motor 3208 and a dust cup3214.

FIG. 33 shows multiple schematic examples of wand vacuums having adebris compactor, such as for example, the debris compactor 100 of FIG.1.

An example of a debris compactor, consistent with the presentdisclosure, may include an inlet configured to receive debris, an augerchamber having an auger extending therein, and a dust cup disposed at adistal end of the auger chamber. The auger may be configured to urge thedebris into the dust cup.

In some instances, the debris compactor may include an outlet that maybe configured to be coupled to a suction source to cause air to be drawnacross the auger. In some instances, the debris compactor may include afilter medium, wherein the filter medium may be disposed at the outlet.In some instances, the auger may be configured to engage the filtermedium. In some instances, the debris compactor may include a motorconfigured to cause the auger to rotate within the auger chamber. Insome instances, a peripheral edge of the auger may include a peripherallining.

An example of a collection system for collecting debris, consistent withthe present disclosure, may include a debris compactor, a dust cupconfigured to receive debris from the debris compactor, and a suctionsource configured to draw air through the debris compactor. The debriscompactor may include an inlet configured to receive debris and an augerchamber having an auger extending therein.

In some instances, the debris compactor may further include a filtermedium disposed at an outlet of the auger chamber. In some instances,the collection system may further include a motor configured to rotatethe auger. In some instances, the auger may be configured to engage thefilter medium such that rotation of the auger urges debris accumulatedon the filter medium in a direction of the dust cup. In some instances,the collection system may further include a cyclonic separator fluidlycoupled to the suction source and the debris compactor. In someinstances, the dust cup may be configured to receive debris from thecyclonic separator. In some instances, the dust cup may define at leasta first and a second compartment, wherein the first compartmentcorresponds to the debris compactor and the second compartmentcorresponds to the cyclonic separator.

An example of a vacuum cleaner, consistent with the present disclosure,may include a chassis and a collection system for collecting debriscoupled to the chassis. The collection system may include a debriscompactor, a dust cup configured to receive debris from the debriscompactor, and a suction source configured to draw air through thedebris compactor. The debris compactor may include an inlet configuredto receive debris and an auger chamber having an auger extendingtherein.

In some instances, the debris compactor may further include a filtermedium at an outlet of the auger chamber. In some instances, the vacuumcleaner may further include a motor configured to rotate the auger. Insome instances, the auger may be configured to engage the filter mediumsuch that rotation of the auger urges debris accumulated on the filtermedium in a direction of the dust cup. In some instances, the vacuumcleaner may further include a cyclonic separator fluidly coupled to thesuction source and the debris compactor. In some instances, the dust cupmay be further configured to receive debris from the cyclonic separator.In some instances, the dust cup may define at least a first and a secondcompartment, wherein the first compartment corresponds to the debriscompactor and the second compartment corresponds to the cyclonicseparator.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it isto be understood by those skilled in the art that this description ismade only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope ofthe invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope ofthe present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown anddescribed herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinaryskill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A debris compactor comprising: an inletconfigured to receive debris; an auger chamber having an auger extendingtherein; and a dust cup disposed at a distal end of the auger chamber,the auger being configured to urge the debris into the dust cup.
 2. Thedebris compactor of claim 1 further comprising an outlet configured tobe coupled to a suction source to cause air to be drawn across theauger.
 3. The debris compactor of claim 2 further comprising a filtermedium, the filter medium being disposed at the outlet.
 4. The debriscompactor of claim 3, wherein the auger is configured to engage thefilter medium.
 5. The debris compactor of claim 1 further comprising amotor configured to cause the auger to rotate within the auger chamber.6. The debris compactor of claim 1, wherein a peripheral edge of theauger includes a peripheral lining.
 7. A collection system forcollecting debris comprising: a debris compactor, the debris compactorincluding: an inlet configured to receive debris; and an auger chamberhaving an auger extending therein; a dust cup configured to receivedebris from the debris compactor; and a suction source configured todraw air through the debris compactor.
 8. The collection system of claim7, wherein the debris compactor further comprises a filter mediumdisposed at an outlet of the auger chamber.
 9. The collection system ofclaim 8 further comprising a motor configured to rotate the auger. 10.The collection system of claim 9, wherein the auger is configured toengage the filter medium and rotation of the auger urges debrisaccumulated on the filter medium in a direction of the dust cup.
 11. Thecollection system of claim 7 further comprising a cyclonic separatorfluidly coupled to the suction source and the debris compactor.
 12. Thecollection system of claim 11, wherein the dust cup is furtherconfigured to receive debris from the cyclonic separator.
 13. Thecollection system of claim 12, wherein the dust cup defines at least afirst and a second compartment, the first compartment corresponding tothe debris compactor and the second compartment corresponding to thecyclonic separator.
 14. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a chassis; and acollection system for collecting debris coupled to the chassis, thecollection system including: a debris compactor, the debris compactorincluding: an inlet configured to receive debris; and an auger chamberhaving an auger extending therein; a dust cup configured to receivedebris from the debris compactor; and a suction source configured todraw air through the debris compactor.
 15. The vacuum cleaner of claim14, wherein the debris compactor further comprises a filter medium at anoutlet of the auger chamber.
 16. The vacuum cleaner of claim 15 furthercomprising a motor configured to rotate the auger.
 17. The vacuumcleaner of claim 16, wherein the auger is configured to engage thefilter medium and rotation of the auger urges debris accumulated on thefilter medium in a direction of the dust cup.
 18. The vacuum cleaner ofclaim 14 further comprising a cyclonic separator fluidly coupled to thesuction source and the debris compactor.
 19. The vacuum cleaner of claim18, wherein the dust cup is further configured to receive debris fromthe cyclonic separator.
 20. The vacuum cleaner of claim 19, wherein thedust cup defines at least a first and a second compartment, the firstcompartment corresponding to the debris compactor and the secondcompartment corresponding to the cyclonic separator.